Photos: Former Parliament Speaker Pleads Not Guilty, Remanded

SAN FRANCISCO, June 08, (THEWILL) – Embattled former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Dimeji Bankole was today remanded in EFCC custody till Friday by a Federal High Court in Abuja after he pled not guilty to 16 counts of fraud and contract inflation preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Trial judge, Justice Donatus Okorowo has set Friday to rule on his bail application after rejecting an oral bail application by his attorney.

Bankole, who was clad in his usual white flowing traditional suit with a white hat looked unruffled and smiled occasionally at today’s arraignment.

The former Speaker was represented by Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) while the EFCC was represented by Mr. Festus Keyamo.

Awomolo at the session accused the EFCC of witch-hunting by conducting a media trail of his client as the commission invited the media to cover his arrest and detention, but the accusation was debunked by Keyamo who said the commission has no control over the media as both Bankole and the EFCC had same access to the media.

However, Justice Okorowo barred the EFCC from harassing Bankole with the media and warned journalists against disobeying the court’s order on maligning Bankole.

He thereafter adjourned and set for July 26, 2011 and July 27, 2001.

Bankole was arrested and taken into custody on Sunday night by operatives of the EFCC.